It has been just about a week after the presidential election and my psychiatric clients continue to present with anxiety about the future of their healthcare, and well-being, once Trump is inaugurated on January 20, 2017.

It seems to me that if a person has refused to follow the suggestion of her medical professional, it ought to be a standard practice on the part of the doctor to learn why. Consulting with the individual, an alternative course of therapy might be the answer.

Louisa Clark has never seen such an array of medicines other than in a pharmacy. After introducing Louisa (Lou) to the apothecarial responsibilities, Nathan, the unflappable nurse, explains that the patient may need a little help in getting the medicines down.

I'm not going to share the details of my personal experience, but I will tell you that second opinions are a great way to avoid unnecessary medical procedures. A second opinion probably saved my life years ago, and I am now skeptical any time I hear someone talk about surgery.

I remember the feeling when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I often hear this sentiment when speaking with cancer patients and their loved ones -- there's an overwhelming sense of not having control.

As physicians, we know that the patients are suffering. We know that their chances of returning to the life they desire are nonexistent. We know that this is a difficult decision. Should we respect their right to self-determination and help them continue this difficult existence until they decide to stop?

I know my patients aren't crazy! What actually IS crazy is how their voices are becoming a reflection of how our health care system remains disjointed, with unnecessary burdens on patients and physicians.

If we care about our health, we must address physician health. This can only happen with a shift in the culture of care and wellness of doctors. Self-care must become a core competency in medical training. Such radical change requires the involvement of all stakeholders, the doctors, the health policy makers and most importantly, the public.